Australia: Emergency services responding to bushfires in Mount Adams, Yardarino, and Irwin regions, Western Australia, as of Dec. 28

Emergency crews are responding to large bushfires burning in the Mount Adams, Yardarino, and Irwin regions, Western Australia, as of Dec. 28. A fire broke out near Brand Highway and Kailis Drive in Yardarino, 70 km (44 mi) south of Geraldton, on the morning of Dec. 28. The fire remains out of control and is moving in a northerly direction. Over 100 firefighters from the Bush Fire Service, Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, with aerial support, and other emergency services, are on site battling the blaze. Approximately 583 hectares have been burnt, and further fire growth is possible in the coming days.

As of Dec. 28, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued the following warnings and advisories:

• Emergency Warning (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Irwin Townsite, south of Midlands Road, and north of Midlands Road between Piggery Lane and Pettit Road in parts of Mount Adams, Yardarino, and Irwin of the shire of Irwin; if the way is clear, leave immediately for a safer place in a northerly direction before conditions become too dangerous.

• Watch and Act: West of Brand Highway, between Brand Highway and Kallis Drive, in parts of Yardarino in the Shire of Irwin; leaving now is the safest option as emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay, residents must monitor conditions and be ready to evacuate.

• Advice: Springfield, Port Denison, and the southern part of Dongara in the Shire of Irwin; there is currently no threat, but residents should stay informed and plan for if the situation changes.

Authorities may issue new warnings or update/rescind existing directives as the fire situation evolves over the coming hours and days. Several roads near the fires are closed: Brand Highway (Highway 1), between Midlands and Eneabba-Coolimba roads, including the intersection with Indian Ocean Drive, and Midlands Road (Route 116) in both directions between Brand Highway and Mingenew. The latest information regarding evacuations and road closures can be found here.

The status of roads can change over the coming hours and days; authorities could close routes within the fire complex and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and response operations needs. Traffic disruptions are also likely during reentry periods after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.

Smoke and ashfall from bushfires may cause poor air quality in the impacted parts of Western Australia. Power outages and utilities that rely on electricity could experience outages within and near the wildfire complex.

Smoke from fires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees, plants, and possibly building materials. Such smoke can hurt the eyes, irritate the respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Smoke may also worsen symptoms for people with preexisting respiratory conditions, such as allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).